Chapter 27

The newly decorated room, with its warm and cozy color scheme, was adorned with a few beautiful potted plants that emitted a faint, pleasant fragrance. Pulling back the curtains, tall pines and maples stood in picturesque contrast, while the small courtyard featured a lush, well-manicured lawn and flower beds. In the distance, a pond with gentle ripples was home to a few ducks playing around, and some mischievous chicks chased a squirrel stealing corn kernels. The scene was lively under the setting sun, and by the side of the yard, a chestnut Quarter Horse and a small Brahman calf grazed leisurely on the green grass.

In the small flower bed in the courtyard, Doudou, dressed in a cowboy outfit, was diligently digging up pretty flower seedlings and transplanting them into small pots, occasionally looking up to smile at his father upstairs before continuing to work with his little spade. Li Han smiled as he watched the little one, who loved the soil, enjoyed planting vegetables, and was fond of flowers and small animals. For dinner, Li Han stir-fried eggplant, made tomato and egg stir-fry with eggs from their own chickens, and prepared a fish and shrimp soup, which tasted really good.

Doudou was very happy, and he was praised for using his chopsticks well. He often stuffed his little mouth with more food, his cheeks puffing up in a silly smile. After dinner, Doudou insisted on washing the dishes and chopsticks, or else his father would do it. Li Han collected the dishes and put them in the kitchen, and Doudou, carrying a chair, stood on it to wash the dishes and chopsticks. After finishing, Li Han helped put them away in the cabinet.

Before bedtime, Doudou lay in Li Han's arms, listening to a story. After changing into a diaper and a cotton diaper cover, and putting on a sleepwear, Li Han hadn't had time to buy it yet, but it was perfect for the next afternoon when they would visit the town with his parents and sister to buy it.

The next morning, Li Han got up early, changed out of his work clothes into a neat casual outfit. Doudou was dressed like a little princess, in a pink tulle princess dress, a small hat with a cute pink bow, red leather shoes, and white lace-trimmed socks. Li Han drove the pickup truck with Doudou to the town's church, which had three churches: one large, one small, and an old one, also known as the cemetery church.

After breakfast, people from the town came to the church. It was Doudou's first time there, and she curiously looked around. Li Han didn't enter the church immediately but sat on a bench in front of it, as it was still early, just past nine. Doudou played with little Millie, chasing a squirrel, and Li Han wasn't worried about the squirrel hurting Doudou, as she easily got along with small animals.

"Good morning, Uncle Ronald, Aunt Sibyl, and Will." Li Han stood up to greet the approaching Ronald family. The population of Kemi Town was just over ten thousand, and it was unusual to see so many people in the town.

"Good morning, Han. You look great in your nice clothes." Ronald and Sibyl hugged Li Han, and Will lightly punched him, earning a glare from Sibyl. Doudou, who was playing, ran over and greeted them politely, showing her good memory. "Thank you, Uncle Ronald." Li Han smiled and patted Doudou's little head.

"God, what a lovely little angel. Han, can Pandora stay with me for a while? Oh, my little angel, you're so beautiful." Sibyl, who adored Doudou, hugged her and kissed her, making Doudou giggle.

"Of course, Aunt Sibyl, Uncle Ronald. I think we can go to the lounge for a cup of coffee, how about it, Will?" Li Han was happy, as Doudou would be taken care of, though he was still a bit worried despite the church having a children's room.

"Han, Ronald, my dear Will, see you later." Sibyl left, and Li Han and Ronald, Will went to the lounge, where there was coffee and some snacks. "Han, Mr. Glasserman will be here at 9:30. I think you should have a good talk about the pasture."

"Yes, Uncle Ronald, I'm ready." Li Han took a sip of coffee, which tasted quite good. "Han, God will bless you." "Thank you, Will." Will didn't like coffee much and preferred beer.

"God be with you, Han. I wish you success." Ronald raised his coffee cup, and Li Han smiled and raised his cup in response. "I think God will bless me, and the conversation will be pleasant."

"Han, I think it will be. Sorry, Han, I need to go." Ronald saw someone looking for him, said a few words to Li Han, and stood up to leave. Li Han and Will bowed slightly, and Will, who disliked the rich, commented, "Han, these damn rich people, damn it, we should unite and drive them out of Kemi Town."

"Will, Uncle Ronald might not be happy." Li Han gestured for Will to lower his voice, as there were a few wealthy farmers in the lounge. "Han, I'm really sorry, I couldn't help you."

"No, Will, maybe we should talk about the baseball game." Li Han smiled and changed the subject, and Will didn't bring it up again. "Of course, Han. God, it's a shame you're not playing. I think I'll hit a good ball today."

"God bless you. It's a shame, Will, I really wanted to play." Li Han said with regret, and they talked about the baseball team. Just as he wanted another cup of coffee, a white-haired old man walked in, and Li Han's eyebrows furrowed. It was Glasserman.

"Will, I'll be right back." Li Han, holding his coffee cup, walked to Glasserman's table and greeted him with a smile. "Good morning, Mr. Glasserman."

"Good morning, young man. Perhaps you can sit over there." Glasserman pointed to a distant sofa.

"No, Mr. Glasserman, I think I need to introduce myself." Li Han didn't follow Glasserman's suggestion and sat opposite him.

"No, it's futile, young man. I want to be alone with God for a while." Glasserman didn't intend to listen to Li Han, which was disappointing.

"Mr. Glasserman, God listens to the troubles of the young. I think so, as you are a devout believer. Perhaps helping a troubled young man will earn you God's forgiveness." Li Han wasn't going to give up.

"God be with you, young man. I think that's enough." Glasserman said calmly, closing his eyes. Li Han sighed helplessly. "Sir, I think you should manage the pasture better. Perhaps this will show more people your devotion to God."

Glasserman seemed not to hear Li Han and called out, "Vesa, take me to Pastor Hilton's office." Li Han smiled bitterly, shook his head, and returned to his seat with his coffee.

"Han, it's a shame. He's a stubborn old man, a damn rich man with a strange temper." Will patted Li Han's shoulder to comfort him. Li Han smiled and said, "Maybe. Well, Will, it's time."

The church hall filled with hymns, not as solemn as expected but vibrant and lively. The band on stage was very active, and the hymn melodies were captivating and dynamic, with electronic music that was both passionate and sometimes slow and emotional. The people in the audience raised their hands and swayed, tears in their eyes, singing together. The atmosphere was as exhilarating as a rock concert and as solemn as a memorial service. Li Han and Will swayed with the music, feeling God's presence.

After the hymns, the pastor gave a sermon. Pastor Hilton was a talented performer, using stories from the Bible to draw parallels with reality, without being preachy. Li Han chuckled from time to time, finding the old man quite good. Of course, there were both laughter and tears, but the atmosphere in the church hall was excellent, with everyone fully engaged, and no one moving around. The service lasted forty minutes.

Li Han took out twenty dollars and gave Doudou ten dollars. He planned to ask Pastor Hilton to baptize Doudou, and the donation was voluntary, ranging from one dollar to five dollars, or even ten cents. After the service, Li Han didn't see Glasserman again, who had donated a hundred dollars, a generous but stubborn old man.

The sun was shining, and it was a beautiful day. In front of the church, some elderly people sat together, holding their dogs or other pets, with bread or hamburgers in their hands, enjoying a leisurely time. Children were playing around. Li Han held Doudou's hand and said goodbye to the Ronald family.

"Han, it's a shame." Ronald felt regret that Li Han's talk with Glasserman hadn't been successful. "Han, my brother, perhaps we need to teach this stubborn old man a lesson." Will comforted him.

"Thank you. I think there will be a way. Uncle Ronald, Aunt Sibyl, Will, don't worry." Li Han smiled, held Doudou's hand, and parted ways with the Ronald family, returning to the pickup truck to prepare lunch.

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